By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Nine out of the 12 inmates who escaped in yesterday’s early morning jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Facility Centre, Kotonkarfe, Kogi State have been rearrested.
Although details surrounding the incident were still sketchy as at press time, the state government has called for thorough investigation, it was learnt.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who confirmed the incident, maintained that there was more than meets the eye on the incident.
He assured of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with relevant security agencies in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
In a statement, he said: “According to information, 12 inmates escaped from the facility, with one already rearrested and returned to custody.
“The jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government as there is clear evidence of internal compromise and collaboration, leading to the unfortunate breach.
“As a government, we have consistently supported federal security agencies in their efforts to maintain law and order across the state. This includes providing logistics and other essential resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. Our support extends to correctional centres within the state, reinforcing our commitment to a secure and well-managed correctional system.
“The circumstances surrounding the escape, including reports suggesting that the inmates fled through the tower without causing structural damage to the facility, raise serious concerns that necessitate a thorough investigation.
“It is imperative to establish the full facts, apprehend all escaped inmates, prevent future occurrences, and identify any internal or external collaborators who may have facilitated this breach.
“The security of Kogi State remains our top priority, and we expect the relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in addressing this incident.’’
Fanowo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed the State Security Adviser to work with the Federal Correctional Centre and relevant security agencies to ensure that such an incident does not recur.
He assured that the government would probe the incident.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of the inmates.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the probe, describing the circumstances behind the jail break as unfortunate.
The minister vowed that fleeing inmates would be recaptured.
The minister, in a statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, said the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, should visit the facility to evaluate the situation, and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he said.